North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA)

This week's rule will focus on properly starting the game with a jump ball.

In this play, following the jump ball between A1 and B1 to start the first quarter, the ball is simultaneously controlled by A2 and B2. Please select from the choices below what the proper ruling is.

A. Since team control has not been established, A1 and B1 must re-jump to determine who gets the first possession.

B. Since team control has not been established, A2 and B2 must jump in the center restraining circle since they are the players who controlled the ball.

C. Since team control has not been established, any Team A and any Team B player may jump in the center restraining circle.

D. To determine team control, award the ball to the first player, either A2 or B2, who touched the ball before it was simultaneously controlled.

The correct answer is B. Rule 7.3.2 states that if the alternating-possession procedure has not been established, play shall be resumed by a jump ball between the two players involved in the center restraining circle. Furthermore, the case book in section 6.4.1 situation C states that when A2 and B2, non-jumpers, simultaneously control the ball, A2 and B2 will jump in the center restraining circle.

Click Here for Rule Book Reference 7.3.2